US Airliner Southwest has become the latest big carrier to try to persuade workers into getting vaccinated against COVID-19
Southwest airlines has ramped up efforts to encourage its workforce to receive the vaccine, stating staff that get the jab will receive a pay-bonus while those that are unvaccinated would no longer have access to sick pay for COVID related quarantine requirements.
Southwest says the announcement was unrelated to Joe Biden’s upcoming vaccine mandate for firms and it plans to comply with the order.
Delta, American and United Airlines have all made similar moves recently
In a memo to workers, Southwest stated that those who submit proof of vaccination to the company by 15 November would get 16 hours of extra pay.
“If you have not been vaccinated and choose to do so, this timeline gives you enough time to receive both rounds of a two-series vaccine or the single-dose vaccine,”
the airline wrote.
The US Department of Labor is set to make Covid jabs mandatory at larger private firms and federal employers in the coming weeks, affecting up to 100 million US workers.
